Remote & Rural Remedies

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"Survey return from Dr. Fenton"

Port Charlotte, by Bowmore.

1851.

RCP/COL/4/8/209

Dr. Fenton was a medical practitioner in Port Charlotte.

Port Charlotte was a village and a part of the parish of Kilchoman in the historic County of Argyle. The village had a population of around 800 in 1845. It also had a large distillery. For further information on the whole parish, see the entry for Kilchoman.

[[Addressee]]
Dr. Fenton
Port Charlotte
by Bowmore

[[Survey]]
QUERIES

1. How long have you practiced in the locality you at present occupy?

Since 14th March 1851

2. What are the ordinary and what the greatest distances which you have to travel in visiting patients?

From 6 to 12 miles.

3. What means of conveyance do you employ in going long journeys?

A Saddled Horse

4. What is the state of the roads in your neighbourhood?

Good, but, hilly

5. Is the position of medical men in general in your quarter improved, or otherwise, of late years?

Owing to the short period that I have resided in this lo
cality, I cannot say, to what extent the other
practitioners are employed, but this I know, that my
practice is any thing but remunerating. There are two
more practitioners in the Island than formerly.

6. Supposing the people of the Highlands and Islands were generally able to pay for medical
advice, according to rates usually observed in other parts of the kingdom, what extent of
country in your locality would you regard as sufficient to occupy a single practitioner
fully?

The combined Parishes of Port Charlotte
and Kilchoman, which I now occupy.

7. Mention, if you please, any special hardships incident to your situation, such as you think
might be remedied by some general measure or enactment?

The only hardship of which I can complain, is that owing
to the destitute state of the Island. I cannot obtain
above one-third of my charges, & was it not, that, I have
£15 of Subscription in addition to £35 from the
Parochial Board, I should be compelled to leave.
it is true there are a vast number of midwifery
cases, yet I am seldom employed, because they cannot
afford to pay.

"Survey return from Dr. Fenton"

Port Charlotte, by Bowmore.

1851.

Dr. Fenton was a medical practitioner in Port Charlotte.

Port Charlotte was a village and a part of the parish of Kilchoman in the historic County of Argyle. The village had a population of around 800 in 1845. It also had a large distillery. For further information on the whole parish, see the entry for Kilchoman.